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Maui Mountain Activities · Wailuku side

Waterfall and ocean horseback ride

A guided ride from a ranch on the Wailuku side up the West Maui Mountains to about 2,500 feet, where waterfalls show in the distance, then down to ride along the coast. Pick it for the mix: mountain and ocean in one morning, a horse matched to your level, and a run for confident riders.

West Maui Mountains Waterfall & Ocean Horseback Ride

About this experience

This is the same ranch as the West Maui Mountains ATV ride: you wait by the big yellow parking sign on the left of Kahekili Highway, and the guide arrives by the 8:15 am check-in to lead the cars up to the horses. Staff match each rider to a horse by ability, so beginners and experienced riders share the group.

The operator's page describes the route: up the West Maui Mountains to approximately 2,500 feet to view waterfalls from a distance, then down to the coastline to ride alongside the Pacific. The listing is clear that you ride along the coast, not on the beach. Weather permitting, there are one or two chances to run the horses. Guides take photos with your camera, and a petting zoo with mini horses, pigs, sheep and rabbits is part of the morning.

Two honest notes. The waterfalls are seasonal and far off, so don't count on a close-up. And the 215 lb weight limit is strictly enforced: if you are over and no horse fits, you don't ride and you don't get a refund. Viator lists 3 hours including check-in; the operator puts the ride itself at 2 to 2.5 hours and sells it direct for $187.50 per person plus taxes and fees.

  • Up to about 2,500 feet in the West Maui Mountains
  • Waterfalls in the distance, in season
  • A stretch along the coast (not on the sand)
  • One or two chances to canter, weather permitting
  • Petting zoo with mini horses, pigs, sheep and rabbits
  • Groups of 14 at most

How the day runs

  1. 8:15 amMeet at the yellow sign

    Park by the Maui Mountain Activities sign on Kahekili Highway. The guide leads all the cars up to the ranch.

  2. At the ranchMatched to a horse

    Give your real weight and riding level; the staff pair you with a horse that fits.

  3. UphillInto the gulches

    A gradual climb up the mountainside to the viewpoint, where waterfalls show in the distance when they are running.

  4. DownhillAlong the coast

    Down to the ocean and along the coastline. Confident riders can trot or canter at the run spot, weather permitting.

  5. To finishPetting zoo

    Mini horses, pigs, sheep and rabbits, then back to the meeting point.

Horseback riders on a bamboo-lined trail

What's included

Included

  • Guided ride on a horse matched to your level
  • Helmet and saddlebags (operator's page)
  • Soft drinks and water
  • Photos on your own camera, taken by the guide
  • Petting zoo visit

Not included

  • Riders over 215 lb (no refund if no horse fits)
  • Transport: you drive to Kahekili Highway
  • A ride on the beach itself: the trail runs along the coast

Who it suits

Book it if

  • You're a first-time rider: guests say staff match horses to riders with care
  • Your group mixes beginners and experienced riders
  • Your kids are 7 or older
  • You want mountains and ocean in one ride

Skip it if

  • Anyone weighs over 215 lb: Circle M Ranch allows up to 230 lb
  • Seeing a waterfall up close is the point of the day
  • You have back problems or a heart condition, or you're pregnant
  • You get carsick: a guest warns the road in is winding

What guests say

★★★★★

Small group of riders which allowed a more personal experience. The horses were sweet and you were paired by riding experience. The guides were awesome, personal, and provided an educational experience.

Tracey_C · Oct 2026
★★★★★

Incredible ride. [...] The trail through the West Maui Mountains and down toward the ocean was beautiful. Then at the end they let us run the horses about 100 yards. Such a rush.

Jim_B · Aug 2026
★★★★★

Our guides Travis and Jesse were great!! My girlfriend and I and our friends had a great time. They were super helpful, and riders of all skill levels welcome (I was a total beginner). The gallop at the end was awesome too.

Anil_T · Aug 2026
★★★★★

We had a great time. They took a lot of care in picking the right horse for the right people. Since I might have been a little nervous, they gave me the gentle horse.

Catherine_M · May 2026

Tips before you book

  • Give an accurate weight when you book. The listing says that if you are more than 10 lb over what you gave, they will look for a horse, but cannot promise one.
  • Long pants, closed-toe shoes and sunscreen are recommended on the listing.
  • Dress for dust: one guest wrote that the trails can be dusty in dry air with high winds.
  • Bring a camera or phone: the guides take your photo at one of the overlooks.
  • Check-in is 8:15 am, so leave early if you're driving from Ka'anapali.

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Frequently asked questions

Will you see waterfalls on the West Maui horseback ride?

From a distance, and seasonally: that is how the listing puts it.

Can you gallop?

If you're comfortable and the weather allows, yes: there are one or two spots to run the horses. Riders who'd rather not can walk instead.

What is the weight limit?

215 lb, strictly enforced. Riders over the limit with no suitable horse cannot ride and are not refunded.

Is it OK for beginners?

Yes. No experience is needed, and staff match each rider to a horse by ability. Children can ride from 7.

Ready to book

Book Waterfall Horseback Ride

A ranch ride up to distant waterfalls and down along the coast, matched to your riding level.

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A ranch ride up to distant waterfalls and down along the coast, matched to your riding level.

Check dates for the waterfall and ocean horseback ride